The Commander of U.S. Africa Command, General Michael Langley, has warned that terrorist groups operating in the Sahel region are now trying to move towards the West African coast. He gave this warning during the African Chiefs of Defence Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya. Langley said recent attacks in Nigeria, the Sahel, and Lake Chad Basin are worrying. He added that if terrorists gain access to coastal areas, it would make it easier for them to traffic arms, people, and fund their activities posing a risk not only to African countries but also to the United States
Langley pointed to recent reports showing that the Sahel now accounts for over half of all deaths from terrorism worldwide. Countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have become hotspots for deadly attacks. He said that terrorist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS are very active in these areas and are putting more pressure on nearby coastal nations like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin. These countries are now working hard to protect their borders from infiltration.
The General emphasized that the U.S. is committed to helping its African partners. He praised Nigeria’s military, calling it one of the most capable in the region, and said the U.S. will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa. Langley also said that while U.S. troops have been pulled out of some parts of the continent, America remains involved through training, intelligence sharing, and strong partnerships with African nations. He stressed that the U.S. only operates where it is invited and respects the sovereignty of each country.
He also spoke about efforts in other areas, including airstrikes in Somalia that were carried out at the request of the Somali government. Langley said African armies are stepping up and taking control of their own security, and the U.S. wants to build long-term partnerships that help African countries become more self-reliant. He ended his speech by saying that “peace through strength” remains the goal, and that a stable Africa benefits the whole world.